A package of legislation intended to “reform” the California workers’ compensation system and reduce the insurance premiums and costs paid by California employers, went into effect January 1, 2004. While many observers question how much employers will actually save, the new law will clearly have a significant impact upon healthcare…

Stark Law Enforcement. In what could be a sign of a significant new enforcement tactic, in December 2002, the Department of Justice and Office of Inspector General (“OIG”) of the Department of Health and Human Services (“HHS”) reached a $6 million settlement with a South Dakota hospital and oncology group…

Medical groups are looking at imaging services as a source of much-needed revenue. But they often lack the patient volume to justify purchasing expensive imaging equipment such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computerized tomography (CT), nuclear cameras and positron emission tomography (PET). Consequently, many practices seek partnerships with other groups,…